Underground Railroad Program to Repeat on Saturday

A program at the Doylestown Historical Society proved so popular last week that the group is repeating it this Saturday.

Doreen Stratton will return to the society to help facilitate discussions about the abolitionist period and the operations of the underground railroad in Bucks County.

Stratton, whose family has lived in Doylestown for 150 years, shared her perspective as an African-American who has traveled the remnants of the Underground Railroad.

Last week's event drew about 80 people to the society's headquarters on South Main Street, she said, adding that she was thrilled with the interest.

"People connect with the trials and tribulations of this era, and we generated very interesting conversations," she said.

Stratton's appearance coincides with Doylestown's recognition of February as Black History Month and with an exhibit at the society on "The North Star."

Filmed in many locations throughout Central Bucks County, the film tells the story of "Big Ben" Jones, who escaped slavery in the south with the help of the underground railroad, finally ending up in Buckingham Township.

The Doylestown Historical Society exhibit includes items used and photos of the film production in Bucks County.

The exhibit is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23 and March 2. The Doylestown Historical Society is at 56 S. Main St., Doylestown.

The society also is co-sponsoring a screening of the film at The County Theater on May 2.

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